Conservation district gets ready for trout season

One of the sure signs that spring has arrived is the opening of the trout fishing season at 6 a.m. Saturday, April 3.

In preparation of opening day, McHenry County Conservation District has stocked more than 1,100 pounds of Rainbow Trout in both Lake Atwood at the Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary and in Piscasaw Creek in Beck's Woods, 5940 N. Pagles Road, Chemung.

Youngsters, families and anglers of all ages are invited to test the waters and enjoy a day at the lake. Anglers are limited to only two fishing devices. The use of minnows, wading or individual flotation rings are not allowed. During the spring trout season, the daily possession limit for trout is five fish.

Anglers older than 16 must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp, available for $6.50 at DNR Direct license and permit vendors, IDNR offices or purchased with a credit card through the IDNR Web site at dnr.state.il.us or by phone at (888) PERMIT (673-7648). Anglers also have the option of purchasing a 24-hour Illinois fishing license. Annual fish stocking is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

For more information about the trout stocking program throughout the state, call the IDNR Division of Fisheries at (217) 782-6424 or visit www.ifishillinois.org.